Radical Imaginings-Fellowships for NextGen digital activists | IGF 2023 Networking Session #80

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Ahmad Karim, an individual from the UN Women Regional Office for Asia-Pacific, has proposed a unique fellowship model that combines fellowship, forum, experience, and mentorship. This model aims to support and empower 30 individuals each year through capacity building programs, mentorship, strategic overviews, and connections with country offices.

Fellows are actively involved in co-creating campaigns, toolkits, and updating knowledge products, ensuring their contributions have a lasting impact.

Karim highlights the flexibility of this fellowship model, which caters to the varying needs of young activists. This is particularly beneficial for activists who are also studying or working alongside their activism.

Fellows have the freedom to choose their preferred events or forums and have nomination opportunities to speak at major decision-making forums and conferences. This allows them to have their voices heard and influence policy discussions.

The fellowship model prioritizes real-life experiences and practical challenges, providing fellows with valuable learning opportunities.

Fellows engage in actual challenges and can relate their experiences to their activism. They also have the chance to participate in large-scale decision-making processes, effectively communicating their realities to decision-makers.

Involving fellows in program redesign and governance has proven beneficial.

A group of fellows is selected to be part of the redesigning process, using their experiences to identify what works and what doesn’t. Their direct involvement leads to recommendations that improve the effectiveness of the fellowship. Furthermore, including fellows in the selection process of future fellows reduces bias and uncovers potential candidates with significant achievements.

Including fellows in the decision-making process fosters a sense of common responsibility and ownership.

Although it may be time-consuming, collaborative decision-making enhances fellows’ understanding of why certain decisions are made and encourages active participation in implementation.

In conclusion, Ahmad Karim’s fellowship model offers a unique combination of fellowship, forum, experience, and mentorship.

It prioritizes flexibility, real-life experiences, and practical challenges, allowing fellows to contribute to decision-making, program redesign, and governance. This inclusive approach adds valuable perspectives and fosters mutual responsibility and ownership. The model contributes to the advancement of gender equality and quality education, empowering young activists.

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Alice Lanna, a mentor for the Brazilian youth group in IGF (Internet Governance Forum), emphasises the significance of youth participation in relevant discussions. She firmly believes that young people should not only be the subjects of discussions but must also actively contribute to them.

Lanna is passionate about engaging young individuals and ensuring that they have a voice and agency in shaping decisions that affect them.

Lanna strongly supports youth involvement and active participation in discussions. She actively engages in activities that foster youth participation, showing her dedication to empowering young people and amplifying their voices.

For instance, she mentors the Brazilian youth group within IGF, providing guidance and support to ensure that their perspectives are heard and valued.

Furthermore, Alice Lanna advocates for the opinions of the people who are funded to be given proper consideration in funding processes.

She argues that the views and input of the person being funded should not be disregarded, but rather acknowledged and integrated into the decision-making process. Lanna believes that the person being funded should play a meaningful role in the design and implementation of the process, rather than being seen as a mere tool to execute predetermined plans.

By involving the funded person in decision-making, she believes that better results can be achieved, potentially surpassing the original expectations of the funder.

Additionally, Lanna stresses the importance of striking a balance between mentoring and trust in the funding process.

While she recognises the value of having mentors or guidance in the funding process, she also emphasises the need for flexibility and understanding in terms of trust. Lanna believes that the person or organisation being funded carries valuable experiences and knowledge that can contribute to the process.

It is not just a one-way learning process, but also an opportunity for the funded person to contribute by sharing their insights and expertise.

In conclusion, Alice Lanna’s main arguments highlight the importance of youth participation, the need for their active involvement in discussions, and the significance of valuing the opinions and involvement of the funded person in funding processes.

She supports a balanced approach that combines mentoring and trust to ensure a more inclusive and effective decision-making process. Lanna’s advocacy for youth empowerment and her insights into funding processes contribute to fostering a more participatory and equitable society.

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Anita Gurumurthy, an advocate for digital rights, emphasizes the importance of accessibility in digital rights debates, particularly for under-resourced regions and organizations. She highlights the need for collaboration among different spaces to co-design fellowships that cater to the needs of future activists and scholars.

Anita also encourages participants to fill in a short survey, with the added incentive that those who provide their email IDs will receive the survey’s analysis.

Anita argues that understanding digital rights is crucial for social movements, as digitalization continues to reshape various issues.

She points out the new challenges faced by social movements, such as health data, ed-tech technologies, trade agreements, and algorithmic non-transparency. By promoting a deeper understanding of digital rights, Anita aims to empower social movements to effectively address these challenges.

However, Anita is critical of existing fellowships, expressing concerns that they often prioritize individual experiences over contributing to institutional strengthening within social movements.

She advocates for inclusive digital rights fellowships that support and enhance social movements.

In contrast, Anita supports the idea of inclusive digital rights fellowships that bridge gaps and promote collaboration among various stakeholders. She cites successful fellowship programs conducted by IT for Change, which not only provided valuable opportunities to fellows but also led to reshaping development programs.

Overall, Anita Gurumurthy advocates for greater accessibility in digital rights debates, collaboration among diverse spaces, and the establishment of inclusive digital rights fellowships that contribute to the development and strengthening of social movements.

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In this analysis, three speakers from Internews are examined, shedding light on their areas of focus and involvement. The first speaker, Arielle McGee, is identified as a program officer responsible for Internews’ Asia region. Her primary work revolves around collaborating with women and youth-led civil society organizations.

Although no specific projects or initiatives are mentioned in the analysis concerning Arielle, her involvement with these organizations indicates a focus on women empowerment and youth-led initiatives, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 for gender equality and SDG 8 for decent work and economic growth.

The second speaker, whose name is not mentioned, is associated with an upcoming project at Internews.

This project pertains to human rights and internet governance, which implies a commitment to promoting and protecting human rights principles in the context of the digital realm. By engaging in this project, Internews aims to contribute to reducing inequalities, as indicated by its relevance to SDG 10.

The third speaker’s name is also missing, but the analysis reveals the speaker’s interest in learning from others to enhance Internews’ fellowship program.

Internews currently runs a substantial fellowship program, which suggests a dedication to providing learning opportunities and quality education, in line with SDG 4. The speaker’s inclination to gain insights and implement best practices from other institutions indicates a proactive approach to continuously improving the program’s effectiveness.

Overall, the analysis highlights Internews’ multifaceted approach to their work, encompassing various thematic areas such as women empowerment, youth-led initiatives, human rights, internet governance, and education.

The inclusion of the SDG framework signals their commitment to contribute towards the achievement of global sustainable development goals.

While the analysis provides valuable insights into the speakers’ roles and interests within Internews, it does not include specific evidence or the speakers’ views on the subjects discussed.

It would be beneficial to obtain additional information regarding the speakers’ experiences, projects, and achievements to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their contributions to their respective areas of focus.

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During the conversation, the speaker showed great enthusiasm in hosting webinars on a specific topic. They agreed wholeheartedly to participate in this endeavor and assured the listener that they would comply with any instructions given. However, the speaker also expressed some confusion about certain aspects of the topic.

In addition to their eagerness to host webinars, the speaker also emphasized their interest in maintaining close ties with the individuals mentioned.

This highlights their desire for continued interaction and collaboration, suggesting a high level of importance and interest in maintaining these connections.

Throughout the conversation, the speaker’s tone seemed somewhat resigned, as they admitted to being unsure about the situation and appeared to be primarily following orders rather than relying on personal knowledge or expertise.

In conclusion, the key points discussed in the conversation were the speaker’s willingness to host webinars, their confusion about certain aspects, and their interest in maintaining connections with relevant individuals.

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Barbara Leodora, a representative from Article 19 based in Brazil, is spearheading a campaign that aims to provide fellowships for popular communicators. This initiative was developed during the pandemic, demonstrating the organization’s adaptability and commitment to addressing emerging challenges. The campaign has successfully conducted two editions, one in 2020 and another in 2001, highlighting its longevity and impact.

The primary objective of the fellowship program is to empower popular communicators who play a vital role in keeping the public well-informed.

Barbara Leodora emphasises the significance of using popular communication as a means to provide knowledge and information to a broader audience. This approach is particularly crucial during times of crisis, with a specific focus on disseminating accurate and timely information about the pandemic.

Furthermore, Barbara Leodora’s dedication extends beyond communication.

She is deeply committed to promoting and safeguarding democratic processes. This commitment was evident in the program’s previous edition, which specifically targeted elections. Barbara stressed the importance of ensuring that the elections proceeded smoothly, further underscoring the campaign’s overall goal of fostering democratic values and practices.

Regarding funding and resource allocation, the campaign demonstrates flexibility and trust-building.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, Article 19 Brazil made adjustments that allowed beneficiaries to have more autonomy in determining how they use the funds. This inclusive and flexible approach not only enhanced trust between Article 19 Brazil and the fellows but also showcased a genuine respect for the fellows’ identities and autonomy.

Capacity building and community network building lie at the heart of the campaign’s fellowship program.

By offering comprehensive courses and workshops, the program equips fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage with their audiences. The establishment of community networks through platforms like WhatsApp groups further encourages collaboration and the sharing of valuable insights among fellows.

Importantly, even beyond the fellowship program, the campaign ensures ongoing engagement with the fellows, enabling sustained support and growth in their work.

Lastly, continuous improvement is prioritized within the fellowship program. Feedback from fellows is highly valued as it contributes to enhancing future programs and initiatives.

Additionally, mutual learning is actively encouraged, recognizing the value of sharing knowledge and experiences among participants. This commitment to continuous learning fosters an environment of growth and helps the campaign remain responsive to the evolving dynamics of popular communication.

In conclusion, Barbara Leodora’s leadership in Article 19 Brazil’s campaign for fellowships for popular communicators exemplifies a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to communication, democratic engagement, and resource allocation.

By empowering popular communicators, providing knowledge and information, and promoting democratic processes, the campaign contributes to reducing inequalities and promoting quality education. The focus on flexibility in resource allocation, capacity building, community network building, and continuous improvement all contribute to the campaign’s overall effectiveness and long-term impact.

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Christian Leon, hailing from Bolivia, currently holds the esteemed position of Executive Director at the Internet Bolivia Foundation. In addition, he also serves as the Secretary of Al Sur, a coalition comprising 11 civil society organizations that collectively strive to promote digital rights throughout Latin America.

Christian is widely recognized and respected for his unwavering dedication to advocating for internet freedom and safeguarding digital rights.

As the Executive Director of the Internet Bolivia Foundation, Christian plays a vital role in spearheading initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to information and technology in Bolivia.

The foundation undertakes projects and campaigns to empower individuals and communities, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge needed to actively partake in the digital era.

Furthermore, Christian’s position as the Secretary of Al Sur demonstrates his unwavering commitment to promoting digital rights at a broader scale.

Through collaboration with various civil society organizations across Latin America, he fosters unity in advocating for policy and regulatory measures that protect and enhance digital rights for all citizens.

Christian’s portrayal as a learner further accentuates his dedication to continuous personal growth and knowledge exchange.

He displays a genuine willingness to learn from others while also offering his own expertise and insights to the wider community. This openness, combined with his extensive experience in the field of digital rights, positions him as a valuable resource for discussions and initiatives pertaining to internet and digital rights across Latin America.

In conclusion, Christian Leon’s roles as the Executive Director of the Internet Bolivia Foundation and Secretary of Al Sur highlight his wealth of knowledge and experience in advancing digital rights in Latin America.

His unwavering commitment to internet freedom, bridging the digital divide, and advocating for policies that protect digital rights exemplifies his devotion to creating a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.

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Dennis Redeker, a researcher at the University of Bremen and co-founder of the Digital Constitutionalist Network, proposes the creation of a Radical Imagining Fellowship for Digital Activists. The fellowship aims to foster both education and advocacy work among digital activists, with a particular focus on reimagining digital governance.

Redeker believes that fellowships have the potential to empower digital activists and facilitate meaningful change.

To ensure the fellowship’s effectiveness, Redeker emphasises the importance of gathering feedback and data from attendees and those involved in running or funding fellowships.

By understanding the interests and demands of the participants and stakeholders, the fellowship models can be improved and tailored to their needs. Redeker introduced a small survey to be completed by the attendees, as well as individuals involved in running or funding fellowships.

This feedback will enable the development of more effective fellowship models and contribute to the advancement of digital activism.

In addition to physical attendees, Redeker welcomes online participants to contribute to the survey. He provides his email address for them to send their results and suggests posting his email in the chat.

This inclusive approach ensures that the perspectives of a wider audience are considered, enhancing the overall validity and comprehensiveness of the data collected.

The Digital Constitutionalism Network, founded in 2019, plays a key role in advancing the cause of digital activism.

The network runs a database on digital bills of rights, which currently contains 308 documents related to human rights and principles in the digital realm, including areas related to artificial intelligence. The network plans to update and expand this database in the future, further contributing to the understanding and promotion of digital rights.

Moreover, the Digital Constitutionalism Network is actively involved in teaching partnerships and knowledge exchange initiatives.

These initiatives aim to combine teaching with the translation of knowledge to activists. By fostering an interchange of knowledge between students and young activists, the network empowers the next generation of digital activists and provides them with the necessary tools and insights to effect meaningful change.

The network also aims to broaden the reach of academic knowledge beyond traditional BA and MA programs, supporting NGOs, civil society organizations, and media organizations.

Redeker highlights the need for new governance mechanisms in non-university settings. While existing stakeholders, such as students matriculated into the university, have certain rights and opportunities, not all stakeholders in the fellowship program receive the same benefits.

Exploring new mechanisms and opportunities for flexibility can help ensure a fair and equitable experience for all participants.

Lastly, Redeker emphasizes the importance of preventing detrimental competition among fellows. He suggests that selecting participants from different places can prevent direct competition and foster a collaborative and supportive environment.

By implementing strategies to prevent unhealthy competition, the fellowship program can promote a more inclusive and cooperative community among digital activists.

Overall, Dennis Redeker advocates for the creation of the Radical Imagining Fellowship for Digital Activists and emphasizes the importance of gathering feedback and data from a diverse range of participants and stakeholders.

The Digital Constitutionalism Network, with its database on digital bills of rights and its teaching partnerships, plays a crucial role in advancing digital activism and promoting knowledge exchange. Redeker also highlights the need for new governance mechanisms and strategies to foster collaboration and prevent detrimental competition among fellows.

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The speakers engaged in a thought-provoking discussion centred around the intersection of AI, human rights, and education. They emphasised the profound impact of AI on the right to higher education under international human rights law. Specifically, Eve Goumont, a PhD candidate at Montreal University, focused her dissertation on exploring this very issue, highlighting the implications and challenges that arise when incorporating AI into the educational landscape.

Moving on to the topic of fellowship programmes, the speakers underscored the significance of trust in fellows.

They argued that when fellows are granted the autonomy to work on projects of their choosing, the overall outcomes tend to be more successful. In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, adhering strictly to a pre-determined plan outlined a year in advance often proves to be arduous.

Consequently, cultivating trust becomes a pivotal factor in enabling fellows to adapt and make essential adjustments along the way.

Furthermore, the speakers delved into the social dynamics within fellowship communities and their impact on mental health. One notable observation was that diversity among fellows, in terms of backgrounds and areas of expertise, fosters a sense of community and solidarity.

This environment stands in stark contrast to competitive environments, where collaboration and support are oftentimes lacking. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the importance of addressing mental health concerns within fellowships. Creating a sense of community and fostering solidarity among fellows was identified as an effective strategy to promote mental well-being.

In conclusion, the intersection of AI, human rights, and education is a pressing topic that requires careful consideration.

The impact of AI on the right to higher education, as highlighted by Eve Goumont’s research, poses important questions regarding the ethical and legal implications of AI implementation. Trust emerges as a critical component in fellowship programmes, promoting innovation and yielding better outcomes.

Furthermore, the diverse and inclusive nature of fellowships contributes to mental health and the establishment of supportive communities. Overall, these insights shed light on the complex interplay between technology, human rights, and personal well-being in educational and professional contexts.

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Faye actively participated in the discussion, revealing that they are currently pursuing a master’s degree in Taiwan, demonstrating their commitment to furthering their education. The conversation also touched upon the topic of higher education and career goals, with Faye expressing an openness to considering a PhD program in the future.

This indicates their ambition and dedication to their academic pursuits.

Faye displayed a positive sentiment and genuine interest in the discussion, actively engaging and contributing to the conversation. This enthusiasm fosters an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.

The main topics discussed revolved around education and career development, highlighting the importance of quality education.

These topics align with SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure that everyone has access to inclusive and equitable quality education.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the subjects of communication and knowledge acquisition, illustrating a broader scope and an interest in how effective communication and knowledge acquisition contribute to personal and professional growth.

Overall, the analysis highlights Faye’s active involvement and desire for further academic accomplishments.

Their positive sentiment indicates a motivation for personal growth and a commitment to contributing to the field of knowledge. The topics discussed, such as education, academic career, higher education, career goals, communication, and knowledge acquisition, are interconnected and reflect the broader context of personal and professional development.

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Hélène plays a key role in managing the Action Coalition on Tech Innovation for Gender Equality at UN Women. This coalition aims to diversify the digital cooperation stage, bringing new voices and perspectives to the forefront. It focuses on using tech innovation to foster greater gender equality.

The coalition’s main objective is to advance SDG5: Gender Equality, striving for equal rights and opportunities for all genders.

It also aligns with SDG10: Reduced Inequalities, which tackles various forms of inequality, including those based on gender.

The argument put forth by the coalition emphasizes the critical role of technology in promoting gender equality. Through tech innovation, it is possible to create new opportunities and address the existing gender disparities prevalent in many sectors.

Hélène’s leadership in managing this coalition underscores the commitment to using technology as a catalyst for gender equality.

Her involvement indicates a positive sentiment towards empowering women and promoting gender equality through technology.

The coalition’s argument is supported by evidence such as research and case studies showcasing the potential impact of tech innovation in addressing gender disparities.

It highlights successful initiatives that have bridged the gender gap in sectors like education, employment, and access to resources.

In conclusion, Hélène’s management of the Action Coalition on Tech Innovation for Gender Equality reflects a global interest in diversifying the digital cooperation stage and promoting gender equality through tech innovation.

The initiative aligns with SDG5: Gender Equality and SDG10: Reduced Inequalities, demonstrating a commitment to addressing existing gender disparities. The overall sentiment towards using technology for gender equality is positive, recognizing its potential to create new opportunities and empower women worldwide.

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Upon analysing the speaker’s statements, several key arguments have emerged. Firstly, it is argued that the competitive nature of youth programmes can have negative implications for participants’ mental health. Manu Emanuela’s experiences highlight the potential problems that can arise due to the emphasis on competition within these programmes.

This observation underscores the significance of considering and addressing participants’ mental well-being during the process of designing and implementing youth programmes. Mental health is crucial during the process of youth programmes due to their competitive nature.

The second argument is related to online courses, which are reported to be both difficult and inaccessible.

These challenges are particularly evident for vulnerable sections of society. The difficulty level of these courses and the barrier of online access can hinder equal educational opportunities and perpetuate the digital divide. Difficulty and accessibility of online courses are challenges for vulnerable sections.

Another issue raised is the lack of continuity and long-term engagement in youth programmes.

Manu Emanuela’s experiences serve as evidence to support this argument. Maintaining consistent involvement and sustained engagement of youth in such programmes is crucial for achieving positive outcomes, such as quality education and decent work and economic growth.

On a positive note, the necessity of skill development within youth programmes is highlighted.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of acquiring skills like project management and grant application in order to increase success in securing grants and conducting risk assessments. However, it is pointed out that the current programmes do not focus adequately on the development of these essential skills.

Necessity of skill development like project management and grant application in youth programmes.

Furthermore, the analysis brings attention to the funding aspect of civil society organisations in Brazil, noting that many of these organisations are funded by big tech companies.

This raises concerns about the potential influence of these corporations on the freedom and independence of civil society. Big tech often fund civil society organisations, affecting their freedom and causing a chilling effect.

Lastly, the significance of alumni networks in youth programmes is highlighted.

Manu Emanuela suggests that alumni can become mentors and provide valuable guidance based on their experiences. This recommendation aligns with the argument that continuous support and engagement, facilitated through mentorship, can contribute to the success and long-term impact of youth programmes.

Importance of alumnus becoming mentors for continuous support and engagement.

In conclusion, the analysis sheds light on various aspects of youth programmes, including the potential impact on mental health, challenges arising from online courses, the lack of continuity and long-term engagement, the necessity of skill development, concerns about big tech funding within civil society, and the importance of alumni becoming mentors.

These insights provide valuable considerations for improving the design and implementation of youth programmes to ensure positive outcomes and promote the sustainable development goals.

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Two individuals, Oscar Jiménez and Mio, have emerged as prominent figures in promoting important causes. Oscar Jiménez works tirelessly at the research centre in the University of Costa Rica, dedicating his efforts to advancing the ideals of freedom of expression and digital rights.

Hailing from Costa Rica, Jiménez brings his expertise and passion to the forefront in the pursuit of reducing inequalities and fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Mio, an initiative based in Central America, is led by Jiménez as its executive director.

Mio’s primary objective is to recover the memory of LGBT history in the region, echoing the importance of cultural preservation and LGBT rights. This endeavor is crucial in creating sustainable cities and communities while striving towards the goal of reducing inequalities.

The supporting facts for Jiménez’s involvement in these causes are noteworthy.

Oscar Jiménez’s affiliation with the University of Costa Rica research centre underscores his dedication to promoting freedom of expression and digital rights. Furthermore, he is highly regarded for his work in this field, making him a prominent figure in the pursuit of reduced inequalities and the enhancement of peace and justice.

Mio, under the leadership of Jiménez, stands as a testament to the importance of preserving LGBT history and identity.

As the executive director of Mio, Jiménez plays a pivotal role in spearheading this noble initiative, which strives to create a sense of identity and pride in the LGBT community of Central America. The evidence suggests that Jiménez believes in the transformative power of preserving LGBT history and identity through Mio.

The analysis indicates a positive sentiment towards both Oscar Jiménez and Mio, highlighting their commitment to important causes.

The shared focus on reducing inequalities aligns with the sustainable development goals of creating just and inclusive societies. These individuals and their initiatives serve as beacons of hope, sparking conversations and actions towards a more equal and harmonious future.

In conclusion, Oscar Jiménez’s work at the University of Costa Rica research centre, advocating for freedom of expression and digital rights, and his role as the executive director of Mio, an initiative seeking to preserve LGBT history in Central America, showcases his unwavering dedication to reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable communities.

Their efforts are crucial in challenging existing norms and creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

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Raimundo and his community have achieved something extraordinary by creating their own TV channel, Radio TV Quilombo Rampa. This is a remarkable accomplishment because the community used their own resources to bring their vision to life. They operate on the principle of “from the inside out,” which emphasises the significance of ancestral communication.

This approach ensures that their channel truly represents the voices and experiences of the community, providing an authentic portrayal of their culture and heritage.

The creation of Radio TV Quilombo Rampa highlights Raimundo’s strong belief in the importance of communities telling their own stories.

He understands that these stories hold immense value and play a vital role in preserving cultural identity. As a platform for the community, the TV station allows them to narrate their own stories and share their experiences with the world.

Through their own channel, they can celebrate their achievements, address their challenges, and showcase their vibrant traditions.

Raimundo’s eagerness to share their experiences demonstrates his commitment to promoting community empowerment. By giving a voice to the community, the TV station empowers individuals, fosters a sense of belonging, and strengthens unity.

It also serves as an educational tool, imparting knowledge and information that contributes to quality education within the community.

The creation of Radio TV Quilombo Rampa aligns with the global goals of industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

This initiative showcases how communities can utilise their own resources and collaborate to create meaningful and sustainable change. It also addresses the importance of reducing inequalities (SDG 10), ensuring that marginalized voices are amplified and included in the media landscape.

In conclusion, Raimundo and his community’s achievement in creating Radio TV Quilombo Rampa exemplifies community development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

Their dedication to telling their own stories and showcasing their experiences through this platform is inspiring. By taking control of their narrative, they have created a media outlet that genuinely represents their community and strengthens their identity.